Chapter 39 – The Power Level of the First Breathing Swordsman
Hikaru needed the help of the woman in front of him.
After going through countless battles, he'd come to a simple but important realization—his fighting style was too monotonous.
Mirror Flower, Water Moon was strong, flexible, and graceful… but still—
Its attacks just weren't lethal enough.
Especially during the recent fight with Lower Moon Three.
If only he had a technique with greater offensive power…
That battle could've ended much faster.
The truth was, his Void Breathing technique was still incomplete. A Breathing Style wasn't just about the breathing pattern and flow of energy—it needed accompanying forms and a cohesive fighting style.
Relying on just one technique—Mirror Flower, Water Moon—might be enough against weaker demons.
But what about the stronger ones?
Back in his original world, Hikaru had mastered Mist Breathing, a derivative of Water Breathing. That style had ten forms.
But now that he had transitioned to Void Breathing, all those techniques no longer matched his path.
Over the past six months, he'd tried to develop new forms.
But unlike the known Breathing Styles, which were derived from five foundational types, Void Breathing stood completely on its own. It didn't come from Sun Breathing, nor did it follow any traditional lineage.
He was creating everything from scratch.
Alone.
Even with his knowledge of Hikaru-Style Martial Arts, it was no easy feat.
That style was a unique combat art—not a breathing system.
And so… he still hadn't found the answer.
That's why…
He wanted to understand the world that the First Breathing Swordsman, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, once saw.
Yoriichi wasn't a successor like the generations who came after.
He was the beginning.
There was no Breathing Style before him. He crafted it from nothing, piece by piece, until it became the foundation for all Demon Slayers.
That made Yoriichi's experience… an irreplaceable source of knowledge.
Unfortunately, almost all information about Yoriichi had been wiped from existence.
After his death, Muzan and Upper Moon One had worked together to erase every trace of the legendary swordsman.
Even now…
At the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, only scattered fragments remained.
But the woman before him—Tamayo—was one of the very few who had actually seen Yoriichi in person.
That's why Hikaru had come here.
Even if all he could get was a vague impression…
It would still be worth it.
"Information about Yoriichi Tsugikuni…?"
Tamayo echoed his request, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"That's right," Hikaru nodded.
Bathed in the gentle lantern light, his expression was calm but resolute.
"I want to know everything… about the very first swordsman to ever use a Breathing Style."
He needed to understand.
To grasp… what kind of world Yoriichi once glimpsed.
Tamayo looked startled—not just that Hikaru knew of Yoriichi, but by the nature of his request.
But upon further reflection, it made sense.
Because in all the centuries she had lived as a demon, meeting countless humans—
Not a single one had ever come close to Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Even Kibutsuji Muzan—the king of demons—had been utterly defeated by that man. He only survived by forcefully splitting his body and fleeing.
And Hikaru… as a swordsman on par with the Hashira, it was only natural that he'd want to reach for such a legacy.
"Yoriichi…"
Tamayo furrowed her brow slightly, then said in a soft voice, "I didn't really know him. We only met once—nothing more."
"That's enough," Hikaru replied firmly.
To him, one firsthand encounter was worth more than a thousand written reports.
He wanted to know what impression had been left on her.
He wanted to piece everything together.
"…If I had to describe it," Tamayo began, lowering her gaze to the table as if digging up memories buried hundreds of years deep, "we met after Muzan suffered the worst injuries of his life… at Yoriichi's hands."
"At the time, I thought he would kill me, too…"
"But he never raised his blade against me."
"His sword… it felt like it carried the light of the sun itself. And yet, in his eyes, there was no hatred. No anger."
"Even when facing a demon like me, he… remained pure."
"If I had to sum him up in one word…"
Tamayo paused briefly, then whispered with a faint tremble in her voice:
"…A god."
Hikaru held his breath.
That single word…
Struck something deep within him.
He already knew Yoriichi was extraordinary, but to hear Tamayo—a demon who had lived for centuries—describe him that way…
It was something else entirely.
She had lived longer than almost any other demon besides Muzan. Her knowledge was vast.
And yet, even with everything she had seen, she still called Yoriichi… divine.
"…To see through all things without being bound by anything. Is that what they call… the Transparent World?"
Hikaru murmured to himself, casting a glance at the Nichirin Blade at his side.
Then he looked back up and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for sharing that."
"No… it's I who should be thanking you," Tamayo said softly. "I don't know if you'll truly be able to defeat Muzan. But…"
"You saved me."
"And more than that… because of your battle with Lower Moon Three, I was able to obtain a valuable blood sample."
"That will help immensely with my research into a cure—a way to turn demons back into humans."
That was Tamayo's other goal.
Beyond revenge… she sought redemption.
Hikaru already knew this.
"If you do succeed in creating that medicine… I believe it will be an incredible achievement."
His words came from the heart.
He'd seen many demons—just before they died—not showing fear, but rather… relief.
One day, he wanted to witness that cure succeed.
Tamayo gave a small nod.
A gentle smile appeared on her face, and in her eyes, a faint light flickered.
Not for glory.
Not for recognition.
But for redemption.
And… revenge.
Nothing more.
"Hmph."
A grumble came from across the room.
Yushiro had finally had enough. He shot Hikaru a glare, his jealousy practically radiating off him.
There was no doubt. This kid—though technically an immortal demon—was head over heels for Tamayo, and clearly didn't appreciate how close Hikaru was getting.
"It's getting late," Tamayo said softly. "If you don't mind, you may stay and rest here tonight."
"Thank you, but…"
Hikaru stood and adjusted his sword.
"I've asked everything I needed to ask."
"…But I do have one last request."
Tamayo turned to him.
"I'm listening."
"I'd like to learn… all the medical knowledge you've gathered over the centuries."
Knowledge was power.
And power… could open the path to either salvation or destruction.
"…That's fine."
Tamayo didn't hesitate.
She walked over to a shelf in the corner and pulled out a single, slender book.
"This is it. Over the years, I condensed all my research and simplified the contents into this volume. Now… it's yours."
Hikaru accepted it with both hands.
He bowed his head in gratitude.
"Thank you."
He turned to leave, footsteps soft against the wooden floor.
But just before stepping past the doorway, he stopped.
Then looked over his shoulder.
"Oh, right…"
"I was also asked to deliver a message… from Oyakata-sama."
Tamayo froze.
That name—
Instantly sent a chill through her.
She watched as Hikaru disappeared into the night beyond the door.
"…That explains it."
"That explains why he knew so much…"
Tamayo smiled faintly.
Then she turned her gaze to the night sky, eyes glistening with the barest trace of tears.
"So… this is what you were hoping for, wasn't it?"
"This boy… he really is special."
"…Oyakata-sama."
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